Product Key

[Tony]

Hello,
Is there a way to retrieve the product key in Windows XP?
I know how to do it in 98, from the registry, but dont
know how in XP. I have a HP computer that I want to format
and do a clean install, the system came with a recovery cd
only.
Thanks.

 

[Alvin A Brown]

Hello

If your going to do a restore process on your pc you won't
need the recovery key, that is part of the recovery process

Al

 

[Amethyst]

Go here and download ViewKeyXp www.paulsxp.com/downloads.html

Except that does not work for OEM installations. He'd be better off with
Aida32 (www.aida32.hu) which, TTBOMK, does.

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[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker
that says "Do not lose this number." If it was an OEM (factory
installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer
affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop.

To recover a lost Product Key:

If your system still runs, you should be able to use AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php or ViewKeyXP from
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm to find the Product Key.
(If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since
reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably of the drive
image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product Key;
therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be --
used for a re-installation.)

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact whomever sold you the
OS; although very few manufacturers/vendors keep records of the
Product Keys they've sold, it's worth a try before you have to buy a
new license.


Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Tony;
The tools mentioned may not display a key you can use for
reinstallation.
If it is still the original installation of Windows XP, the key
displayed will be the one used during the image process at the factory
and that key may not work for reinstallation.

You should have a Product Key on a sticker affixed somewhere on the
computer.
That is the Product Key you need.